Obituary: Elliot Stanley Jaffe, 97, Founder Of Dressbarn

Courtesy of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home

With sadness, we announce the passing of Elliot S. Jaffe, a visionary business leader, thoughtful philanthropist, and inspired art collector. Elliot passed on Wednesday, November 29, and wouldn’t have minded sharing the spotlight with Henry Kissinger.

He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of society.

Elliot Jaffe, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Dress Barn, later known as Ascena Retail Group, Inc., was a man with excellent business acumen and a source of inspiration to many. His visionary leadership propelled Dress Barn to new heights and also set a high standard of performance and integrity in the business community.

After serving in the Army in WW ll, (where perhaps he was the model for Beetle Bailey), he graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, setting him on course for a lifetime in business. A graduate of Macy’s Executive Training Squad, his career proceeded apace for 14 years. His wife Roslyn, an inspired entrepreneur and an exceptional retail merchant, lured Elliot to Dress Barn, to lead the nascent business. Elliot seized the opportunity in 1963 and led its IPO in 1983. A period of high growth followed with the business realizing $ 700 million in sales in 2002.

Elliot's passion for education, health and the arts was evident in his extensive philanthropic efforts. His long-time support of the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University Teachers’ College, Lincoln Center, Mount Sinai Hospital and Stamford Hospital highlight his commitment to fueling positive change.

At Penn’s College of Arts & Sciences, his generosity helped fund the establishment of the Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe History of Art Building and a Chair in Cinema Studies.

A long-time trustee of Columbia University Teachers’ College, he founded the Peace Corp Fellows Program, demonstrating his belief in the power of education to transform lives.

Elliot's dedication to medical advancement was equally noteworthy. He was the Founder and President of the Jaffe Food Allergy Center at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York which continues to significantly contribute to research and healthcare initiatives around food allergies, positively impacting countless lives.

At Stamford Hospital in his hometown, he supported the consolidation and expansion of Stamford hospitals and helped modernize facilities with the construction of state-of-the-art scanning facilities.

His interest in the arts was evident in his support of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and Lincoln Center, where he served as a trustee. Elliot brought his knowledge of modern art, contemporary performance, and business savvy to the forefront, enriching the institution with his insightful contributions while seeking to share the magic of these institutions.

He loved sharing his passion for food and drink, especially with his family. He didn’t need an excuse to host a fine meal and toast all with a vintage wine. And nothing interfered with his tennis game and his cohort of veteran players.

The family was central to his life, at home, on vacation, and in his heart, with his friends a close second. His influence was great and wide-ranging; he will be missed by many.

Elliot Jaffe is survived by his wife of 71 years, Roslyn (nee Solomon), his sister Diane Katz, his children, Elise (Jeffrey Brown), Richard (Lynette Massey), grandson Byron; and David (Helen Kahng) and grandchildren: Alexandra, Spencer, Rye and Laurel.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4 pm on Saturday, December 2 , 2023 at Temple Sinai 458 Lakeside Dr Stamford, CT.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in support of Stamford Health’s Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe Diagnostic Imaging Center.

Arrangements are under the care of Thomas M Gallagher Funeral Home 104 Myrtle Ave Stamford, Ct. (203)-359-9999. To send on-line condolences to the family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com